Man Pays ¥6,000 to Save Rare Turtle Captured in Pearl River

A 55 pound (23 kilogram) soft-shelled turtle was pulled from the Pearl River in the Haizhu District on Wednesday. According to a Tencent News report, a passerby surnamed Lee was apparently appalled by the cramped quarters the turtle was being kept in and paid RMB6,000 to free the unfortunate reptile.

The same Tencent News report is claiming that due to the specific coloration and heaviness of the turtle, it is thought to be a species of soft-shelled turtle endemic to Florida in the United States. Experts are nonplussed at how the allegedly alien turtle survived in the less than pure waters of the Pearl River.

While authorities were scratching their chins and furrowing their brows, netizens were up in arms, deriding the decision of Lee to purchase the turtle for RMB6,000. Many commenters claimed the money could have been better spent as a charitable donation.

It is not clear what fate will befall the turtle. Whether the creature is destined to become dinner, a pet of good Samaritan Lee or a pizza-loving crime fighting hero is as of yet unknown.